The Origins, Evolution and Development of Red Cross Masonry into the Body currently known as Grand Council of Knight Masons.

Transcription

1 The Origins, Evolution and Development of Red Cross Masonry into the Body currently known as Grand Council of Knight Masons. Knight Masonry is a chivalric fraternal Masonic Order, which confers three Degrees of high symbolic, philosophical and moral value. These Masonic Degrees continue the story of the Temple in Jerusalem, and in an Irish context completes the Masonic Legend of the Temple. There are three separate Degrees within Knight Masonry, and are as follows:- The red Cross of Daniel, or The Babylonian Pass, referred to as the Knight of the Sword degree. Then there is The Jordan Pass referred to as the Knight of the East degree

2 and finally there is The Royal Order referred to as the Knight of the East and West degree. While the subject matter of these degrees can be found within various Masonic Orders around the world, only in the Irish Working, under the Grand Council of Knight Masons, are they communicated in the most detail and in their complete and correct form. As we shall see today, the content of these degrees appear to be as old as Freemasonry itself, and for centuries it has been regarded, as a vital part of the Masonic journey. Our story, like so much else in the history of Freemasonry, can be said to start with Anderson and The Constitutions of the Freemasons. containing the History, Charges, Regulations, etc of the Most Ancient and Right Worshipful Fraternity. For the use of the Lodges London In the year of Masonry 5723 and Anno Domini Here on page 59, under the heading of General Regulations compiled first by Mr George Payne Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Westminster 1721, we find in Regulation number two our first obscure references to higher degrees, set out as follows The Master of a particular

3 Lodge has the right and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into a chapter at pleasure. In the opinion of the late Lionel Vibert, a well-respected member of Quatuor Coronati, and noted Masonic Historian from the early 20 th century it would be fair to say, that in 1723, Anderson, in his historical section refers to various phrases, suggesting that there are mysteries to which he must not further refer. These references can be found in the 1723 edition at pages 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 19 where you will find references to Noah, Nimrod, The Royal Art, Grand Master Moses, Sampson, The Building of The Temple and finally Zerubbabel. In particular on page 4 Anderson tells us the Noachidae or Sons of Noah was the first name of Masons according to some ancient traditions. In Ireland we then find further references in the 1730 Edition of Pennell s Constitution, the first set of Laws and Constitutions written specially for use by the Brethren of The Grand Lodge of Ireland. Here, in the last paragraph in the dedication to George, Lord St George, Baron of Hatley St George, we find those oft quoted lines :- And I am persuaded my Lord that the Brethren in general will, in imitation of your Lordship, quit themselves like Men, walk by the Line, stand by the Plumb, live upon the Square, and level their friendship to the End of Time. And that while here they build to themselves, and dwell in Earthly Tabernacles, they will make sure of an everlasting Habitation not made with Hands. Pennell begins his Constitutions.with a thirty nine page history of the origins and early development of Freemasonry from the time of Adam right up to 1730 and the reign of George II. On page three of this history we learn that the Jewish Prince Nimrod, the name given to him by Moses was better known amongst the Chaldeans by the name Belus, which translates as LORD. Over time the name was shortened to Bel or Baal, and eventually evolved to Bacchus. Upon the Tigris and Euphrates, flourished many learned Priests and Mathematicians, known by the names Chaldees and Magi, who preserved the good science Geometry; and Kings and Great Men encouraged the Royal Art. But it is not expedient to speak more plain of the premises, except in a Formed Lodge.

4 Our first mention of Zerubbabel will be found on page 14 of the history, where he is described as a Prince and General Master Mason of the Jews. He and his people were released, and returned to Jerusalem, where they built the Temple of Zerubbabel, which came far short of Solomon s Temple, and was not so richly adorned with gold and diamonds. This is the man, whose labour we will be studying, as his story became the basis for the rituals that we know today as The Council of Knight Masonry. Bearing in mind, where we are today, you may be interested to learn that the next paragraph reads as follows :- At length the Royal Art was carried into Greece, where many curious buildings were erected, as the citadel of Athens, with the Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva; also the Temple of Theseus, of Jupiter Olympias, etc, their Portico s and Forums, their Theatres and Gymnasiums, their public Halls, curious Bridges, regular Fortifications, stout Ships of War and stately Palaces, but all were erected after The Temple of Solomon, and most of them even after the Temple of Zerubbabel. The Grecians arrived to no considerable knowledge in Geometry, before the great Thales Milesius, the Philosopher who dy d in the reign of Balshazzar, and the time of the Jewish Captivity. But his scholar Pythagoras, proved the Author of the 47th Proposition of Euclid s First Book, which if duly observed, is the foundation of all Masonry Sacred, Civil, Naval and Military. Before we leave Grand Secretary Pennell, and his works, we must make brief reference to Article 8, on pages 55 / 56 of the General Regulations for the use of Lodges. Here we find the first reference to obtain the Grand Master s Warrant to form a new Lodge. As I m sure, by now, you will all be aware that

5 Ireland in 1731, were the first Constitution to issue Warrants, documents authorising three named Brethren, who had previously made application to Grand Lodge, to constitute and form a new local Lodge. The Warrant, signed by The Grand Master and his senior officers authorised these Brethren to come together and constitute a Lodge in a particular district, village, town, city or country within The Irish Constitution. The First Warrant, ever issued in the world, was issued by The Grand Lodge of Ireland in Twenty years would pass before The Grand Lodge of the Antients adopted the practice, followed some ten years later in 1760, by The Grand Lodge of the Moderns. Now every Masonic Constitution, around the globe issue Warrants, as a visible proof to both Members and Visitors that their Lodges are indeed just, perfect and regular. It is the considered view of the late Right Worshipful Brother Chetwode Crawley, expressed in Fasciculus Secundus of his outstanding three volume work Caementaria Hibernica and set out, in his section on Three Generations of The D Assigny Family, that up to the year 1730, there were no ritual differences between the various Masonic workings in Ireland and England. However the Grand Lodge of Westminster would make a number of significant changes in the next few years, as a result of ill considered responses to some of the many ritual exposures published in the 1730 s and this would open the door to the formation of The Grand Lodge of the Antients in the 1750 s, based on the existing un-changed Irish working. When asked, we can set out the major changes under three main headings :- 1/. The transposition of certain modes of recognition in The Grand Lodge of Westminster. 2/. The removal of certain ritual and formalities in the Installation of presiding Officers by The Grand Lodge of Westminster. 3/. The incorporation of the symbol of The Well-Built Arch, leading to the development of Royal Arch Masonry in Ireland, as an integral part of the Craft story.

6 Curiously, it would only be as a result of the publication of Laurence Dermott Opus - Ahiman Rezon in 1756, that we first learn of the existence of Dr D Assigny and his rare pamphlet entitled A Serious and Impartial Enquiry into the cause of the present decay of Freemasonry in the Kingdom of Ireland 1744." Thanks to Dermott and his quotation from this pamphlet, we learn that in the view of D Assigny Brethren cannot be considered for exaltation to the degree of Royal Arch Mason until they Pass the Chair in regular form. Indeed he goes further and states that in general, Brethren have no right to the Royal Arch degree until such time as they make a proper application and are received with due formality. He goes on to state that such candidates should be most excellent Masons. Over the years a few rare copies of this pamphlet have turned up, and although not a central part of this presentation, it is interesting to note that The Lady Elizabeth Aldworth, was one of the original subscribers for this pamphlet and her name appears in the 1744 List of Subscribers, within the original pamphlet. We first hear tell of a Royal Arch being carried in the church parade in Youghal on St John s Day the 27 th December The whole occasion was recorded in the pages of Faulkner s Dublin Journal published on the 14 th January Here following is a fine description of a Masonic Procession, organised by Lodge 19 Youghal, which reads as follows :- Fourthly the Royal Arch carried by two Excellent Masons. Fifthly, the Master with all his proper implements, his rod gilt with gold, his deputy on the left with the Square and Compass. Sixthly, the two Wardens with their truncheons gilt in like manner. Eighthly, Two Excellent Masons, one bearing a Level and the other bearing plumb-rule. Clearly the two Excellent Masons were deputies to the Wardens in the same way that the Deputy Master deputised for the Master. The late Philip Crossle suggested that these two groups of officers had specific roles to fill, which was as follows :- The main group comprising Master and Wardens, representing three symbolic Master s from the Josiah legend. Interestingly the Deputy Master and two

7 deputy Wardens represent another three symbolic personages from the Zerubbabel legend. This then leads us on to consider the relevant importance of these two symbolic groupings. Clearly one could note that the principal roles under Josiah are filled by the senior Brethren in the Lodge whilst their deputies fill a similar role under Zerubbabel. These suggestions would bear out the historical background to the Irish Royal Arch (Josiah) legend and what eventually became the Council of Knight Masons ( Zerubbabel ) workings. One interesting aspect of the Youghal report was the fact that the actual Royal Arch was a significant piece of kit, some 2 wide x 4 high, bearing the keystone in the centre of the Arch and usually having the compasses and square tied to the keystone with ribbon. Fortunately examples of these Arches have survived, for example in the basement of Rosemary Street, In Boyle, Co Roscommon, and in the archives of Grand Lodge in Molesworth Street. I now intend to digress for a couple of moments and draw your attention to the ancient catholic collegiate church of Rosslyn, which dates from the mid 15th century. This very highly carved, ornate and beautiful chapel was built by William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, who was one of the wealthiest men in Scotland at the time.

8 Of interest today, is the existence of a heavily carved lintel, or architrave that joins the Apprentice Pillar to the south wall of the Chapel. Here amongst the ornamentation on this lintel, will be found the motto Forte est Vinu; Fortior est Rex; Fortiores sunt Mulieres; Sum om Vincit Veritas. Which translates as Wine is Strong; The King is Stronger; Women are Stronger Still; But Truth conquers All. A curious motto, but one endowed with great meaning for every Council of Knight Mason member around the globe. So much so, that you may well be surprised, if you ever get an opportunity to visit the Great Council Room in Molesworth Street, Dublin, and have a look behind the throne of our Most Excellent Great Chief. Unusually, my researches briefly ran in sync with Bob Cooper and Philippa Faulks, when they inadvertently drew my attention to the importance of Count Cagliostro s bronze magician s seal. As you can see the seal comprises a snake, pierced with an arrow, and having an apple in its mouth.

9 But of more interest to us today, is the reference to the three small letters on the seal separated by three sets of three dots, each in a triangular form. The letters have been translated many ways, and are said to stand for three French words Liberte de Passer ( Liberty of Passage ). Here friends we have another phrase that you may see later as we review some of the documents of the Red Cross Degrees. One needs to be aware of the fact that from the introduction of the Blue or Craft Warrant in 1731 right up to the year 1836 there was no other Irish Masonic bodies issuing Warrants, except for The Grand Lodge of Ireland. This resulted in a situation, where Brethren would seek out lecturers, able to give a variety of degrees, and would bring them to their Lodges, with a view to getting whatever other degrees, the lecturers were able to give, all carried out under the authority of their blue, Grand Lodge Warrant. In other cases, Brethren would travel some distance, to visit a Lodge with their own in-house lecturer, who would be prepared to install these Brethren into new degrees at a cost.

10 The late Philip Crossle, one of the leading Irish Masonic researchers in the early part of the 20 th century carried out considerable research on this topic and his detailed findings were published in the 1923 Transactions of the Irish Lodge of Research ( from page 155 to page 223 ). Amongst the many extra degrees available at that time were :- Excellent Master; Super Excellent Mason; Arch Mason; Royal Arch Mason; Ark Mason; Mark Fellow Mason; Mark Master; Link Mason or Wrestle; Babylonian Pass ( or Red Cross of Daniel ); Jordan Pass; Royal Order ( or Prussian Blue ); Black Mark; Templar ( series of 4 degrees ); Mediterranean Pass; Malta ( two degrees ); Red Cross of Constantine and the Knight Patmos degree. As you can see, from the Plate and Incised Plate jewels on the screen, you will see that each of these types of jewel are unique, each having symbols from the various degrees that their individual owners had received on their Masonic travels. In Ireland, we identify various groups of Degrees under particular headings and also under a colour. For example :- Blue for the three Craft Degrees. ( Ent App, Fellowc and M.M ) Red for the three Royal Arch Degrees. ( Ex Super Ex and RAC ) Green for the Red Cross Degrees. ( Baby Pass,Jordan Pass and Royal Order ) Black for the High Knight Templar Degrees. White for the Pillared Priest Degrees. We will now take a look at some of the relevant manuscript and printed certificates issued to Brethren at the close of the 18 th and start of the 19 th century. I would start by commenting that it was not the common practice to issue certificates, except in the case of a Brother moving to another part of Ireland or emigrating abroad. In these cases, the certificate issued, was drawn up by his Lodge Secretary, signed by the Wor Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, confirming that the Brother concerned was a Past Master or Member of the Lodge and that he was in good financial standing. We will now take a few moments to review some of the surviving manuscript and printed certificates relating to The Red Cross. The earliest actual certificate that I have located so far, is a manuscript certificate dating from the year 1790,

11 having originated under the sanction of Lodge 271, Limerick. It starts - To all the enlightened Knights of the Red Cross and Noachidas to whom this shall come before, Greetings. We the High Priest etc,etc of the Grand Chapter of the Knights of The Red Cross & Noachidas held under the sanction of Lodge No 271 in the city of Limerick and the Registry of Ireland do hereby certify the bearer hereof our well beloved Brother Sir John Hill, was by us initiated in the most sublime degree of the Red Cross and Noachidas, and since his ascending the Ladder of faith, he has placed the Level of charity to all his works. He has been found upright by the unerring Plumb line of Righteousness etc etc etc. Our second certificate, still in manuscript dating from 1798 was issued In the name of the Most Holy and undivided Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Ghost, We the Grand Master etc of a Right Wor Assembly of the Invinceable and magnaminous Lodge of Knight Templars held under the sanction of Castlecaulfield Lodge No 787 on the Registry of Ireland.

12 Our third option, covered with a plethora of Masonic symbols is in fact an early printed certificate issued by True Blue Lodge No 253, Carrickfergus. On the 26 th May In this case the issuing body is The Most Holy and unavowed Trinity, Father Son and Holy Ghost, We the High Priest Captain General and Grand Masters of a Royal Arch, Super Excellent Encampment and Grand Assembly of Knight Templars, under the sanction of True Blue lodge No 253. Of particular interest to us today is the seven arched bridge, the trowel and sword, all symbols from the Red Cross Degree.

13 Illustrated with some magnificent free hand sketches. This next certificate is particularly interesting comprising of a manuscript text. On the banner

14 stretched along the top of the certificate are the words To all the enlightened Knights of the Red Cross around the Globe, Greetings. We the sovereign High Priest etc of a Royal Assembly of Knights of the Red Cross under the sanction of Lodge No 279, Clonmel on the Grand Registry of Ireland. Clonmel, as some of you may know, was the home of the Donoughmore family, whose members, in total served as Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Ireland for some 75 years ( just over 25% of our entire Masonic history ). Number five issued in 1807 by a body known as the Red Cross Assembly No 95, Cork, again working under the sanction of Lodge No 95 on the Register of The Grand Lodge of Ireland. Here the banner reads To all the Enlightened Knights of the Red Cross whom this shall come before We the King, Captain General etc etc of the Grand Chapter of the Knights of The Red Cross.

15 Our next certificate is a printed Red Cross certificate issued by the Early Grand Encampment in Dublin by Chapter 48, Dublin in the year On the banner of this certificate is the phrase Veritas et Libertas, followed by To the Enlightened Knights of the Red Cross and Mark Masters to whom this shall come before, Greetings. We the royal Master, Captain General etc, of the Grand Chapter of the Knights of The Red Cross etc etc.

16 This next hand decorated certificate dated 1806 was issued by Lodge No 854 held in Youghal, Co Cork. Just after the water colour of Noah s Ark, we find the usual welcome To all the enlightened Knights of the Red Cross and Noachidas to whom this shall come before Greetings. We the King etc, etc, of the Knights of the Order of the Red Cross, held under the sanction of the Leitrim Militia Lodge No 854 held in the town of Youghal on the Registry of Ireland. You may well be intrigued by the excellent pen sketches of The All Seeing Eye, The G, The Red Cross knight symbol, Veritas and at the very bottom the three arched bridge over the River Jordan.

17 Our next certificate is another military one issued by the Brethren of Lodge No 11 attached to His Britannic Majesty s Regiment of Foot The First or Royal Scots Regiment. The certificate issued in 1818 is in the form of a high knight

18 Templar certificate but makes specific reference to Knight of the Red Cross in the wording of the certificate.

19 Here is an interesting certificate, bearing the Red Cross seal ( crown over the three arched bridge plus the word Veritas ) in the centre of a seal bearing the name Gibraltar Lodge No 128. This seal actually belongs to Lodge128 attached to the 39th Regiment of Foot, and was issued in 1824, when the Regiment was based in the City of Limerick, at the mouth of the River Shannon. Here again we find a familiar greeting. To all the enlightened Knights of the Red Cross and Noachidas to whom this shall come before Greetings. We the King etc, etc, of the Knights of the Order of the Red Cross,

20 This time our certificate is issued in the year 1836 by The Sovereign and Captains etc on full and General Councils, do hereby Certify that the bearer hereof, our trusty, true and well beloved Brother Sir Alexander Moore was by us installed a Knight of the most ancient and valiant Order of the Red Cross, given under our hand and seal in our Grand Council Room, held in Cork on the 5 th March I would draw your particular attention to the crest at the top of the certificate comprising of The Snake intertwined around the Christian Cross bearing the letters I. H. S. under the banner Longe Inde Est. It is an interesting selection of symbols, bearing in mind the our Red Cross Degrees tell the story of Zerubbabel and the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the year 530B.C.

21 At this stage in our story, we can now quite clearly see the influence of the High Knight Templars in Irish red Cross certificates. Here again we see references to The Holy and Undivided Trinity, three persons in One God Amen. We enlightened Knights of the Sword and Red Cross etc. This printed certificate, issued in Limerick in 1839, again bears the seal of our military Brethren in Lodge 42. Around the edge of the seal, we can read the legend - Knight of the Sword and Red Cross Council 42 Reg.

22 By now we are beginning to see a common theme begin to develop as witnessed on this next printed certificate from Enniskillen Lodge No 891. On the banner of this certificate is the phrase Veritas et Libertas, followed by To the Enlightened Knights of the Red Cross and Mark Masters to whom this shall come before, Greetings. We the royal Master, Captain General etc, of the Grand Chapter of the Knights of The Red Cross etc etc. However, our researches identify two other options for getting your Red Cross degrees in Ireland. One of these is a body known as The Princes of Jerusalem. which would probably be better known to some of you as the 16 th Degree of the Antient and Accepted Scottish Rite. They also gave the 15 th degree knight of the East and the 17 th Degree Knight of the East and West under the Antient & Accepted Rite. As you will see from their Dublin Summons, their crest is slightly different than that, more commonly found on our local Red Cross certificates.

23 Possibly more unexpectedly, you could also acquire, a degree known as Passing of the Bridge. In our archive in Dublin, we hold a copy of a rare little 48 page book entitled The Royal Order of Scotland. It is an unusual document with letters used to identify parts of the work for example H.R.M. standing for the degree of HeRedoM of K.L.W.N.G KiLWinNinG. This particular degree is given in two parts known as Passing of the Bridge and Admission to the Cabinet. Under this system the Master of the Lodge is known as TiRShaThA and the Senior Knight is known as the Senior Grand Guardian. There is always a seat kept vacant beside the Master, reserved for The west that also appear to have been given together.. King of Scotland. Neither of these systems prospered in Ireland at that time and the Red Cross Degrees settled into their new home under the control of Great Priory. Here we have a certificate issued knight of by Ulidia Preceptory No 88, Belfast in the 1850 s specifically for issue to Sir Knights who had received The Mediterranean Pass Degree and The Knight of Malta Degrees that appear to have been given together. Then we have Knight of the Sword, Knight of The East and Knight of The East and West degrees which also appear to have been given together. Despite the use of printed certificates, we still find hand drawn and coloured certificates for a period of time in the middle of the 19 th Century. We will start with a beautiful certificate for Knight Templar, Knights of Malta and Knights of The Red Cross. The certificate was issued in 1848, in the town of Drum and in the county of Monaghan in the Kingdom of Ireland. Here again, amongst other symbols, you will find reference to the word VERITAS.

24 Like every other branch of Irish Masonry, we eventually found a Red Cross song, based strongly on some of the words from Psalm 57 in the old

25 testament. I m sure you will be relieved to learn that I do not intend to sing this little ditty, but will give you a flavour, by reading the first verse. Thou who did st Persia s King Inspire, That thou Holy Word might be fulfilled. That Israel s Sons might quit his land, Their Holy Temple to rebuild. And finally, in this tranche of old certificates is another curious composite certificate, dating from 1849, issued by the Members of Royal Larne Lodge No 615, Larne, in County Antrim. This is quite a certificate, issued to Sir Knight William Cook Simms of Lodge 788 Cairncastle covers degrees such as being dubbed a Sir Knight Companion of the Knights Templar, Holy Order of the Pillared Priests of the Temple, Knight of St John of Jerusalem, Knight of Malta and The Red Cross in the year of Masonry 5849.

26 Not often seen today, but here is an interesting smoke seal, bearing the Red Cross seal ( crown over the three arched bridge plus the word Veritas ) in the centre of a seal bearing the name Gibraltar Lodge No 128. This seal actually belongs to Lodge128 attached to the 39th Regiment of Foot, and was issued in 1824, when the Regiment was based in the City of Limerick, at the mouth of the River Shannon

27 And to conclude this short section on Red Cross seals, here is an interesting example comprising a centre piece of the tree crowns, representing the three rulers of a Red Cross Lodge ( Zerubbabel, / Haggai and /Joshua / ). Above is a word that we have seen before Veritas and around the outside is the legend Red Cross No 623. And finally we attach a transcript of a Warrant issued in 1862, under the signature of The Duke of Leinster, Supreme Grand Commander of the Supreme Grand Encampment of the High Knight Templars of Ireland to Constitute and Form a new Prior of High Knight Templars, and authorising them to give the Red Cross Degrees and attaching their Warrant to Craft lodge No 106 Belfast.

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29 The apron is quite unusual in red with a Royal Arch and keystone over three crowns in the centre representing the three rulers of the Red Cross Degree. Underneath we have the sword and trowel, and below that again is the equilatoral triangle suspended over three steps.